Hijab / Veil / Head Covering - Do Women Have to Wear It?
First and foremost, the Quran does not make use of the word ‘Hijaab’ to address the covering of the head or hair.
However, it has been used as follows:
- To signify the veil between the companions of the garden and the companions of the fire (7:46)
- The veil of partition between those who do not believe in the hereafter (17:45)
- The separation / seclusion / screen Mary introduced between herself and her people (19:17)
- In reference to Prophet Solomon (pbuh) and in relation to the narrative with regards his horses (38:32)
- To signify the debarring that the transgressors will experience from their Lord on the Day of Judgement (83:15)
- To signify the separation of the Prophet's wives - See section below (33:53)
- The claim of the disbelievers to signify the veil between what they believe and what the Prophet is calling them to (41.5)
- The veil that God uses to speak to mankind (42:51)
Let us take a look at the stipulations and guidance that has been advanced by the Quran with regards to covering with a view to understand the directives better.
The first directive is to the man and then to the woman in the following context.
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024.030 “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And God is well acquainted with all that they do” |
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024.031 “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna) except what is apparent of it (ma zahara minha) ” that they should draw their headcovers (Arabic: Bi'khumurihinna) over their bosoms (Arabic: Jayubihin) and not to display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna) except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss" |
What should be immediately apparent is the specific directive to cover the chest for women. It would be apt here to note some of the Arabic terms in a little more depth.
Illustration - Joseph Islam
Four considerations must be made to understand this verse better with regards to the Arabic terms used. Please note that use has been made of the most reliable and earliest classical Arabic lexicons to understand the terms as understood by the classical scholars.
- What constitutes Zeenatahunna?
- What constitutes Bi'khumurihinna?
- What is the meaning of 'Jayubihinna'?
- What is the meaning of ‘Ila ma zahara minha’?
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(1) WHAT CONSTITUTES ZEENATAHUNNA? |
An understanding of the root word ‘ZAY-YA-NUN’ (from zeenatahunna) clearly indicates that this is a reference to make-up, beautifying oneself, adorn to an extent which can become a cause of attraction. The directive is not to display this beauty and adornment to those other than the people listed in verse 24:31.
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [1]
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(2) WHAT CONSTITUTES BI'KHUMURIHINNA? |
A 'Khumur' (plural) denotes a covering for both men and women (Khimar).
The injunction to draw the 'khimar' with a view to cover the breasts does not necessarily relate to the use of the khimar but the focus is to make it clear that a woman’s breasts are not included in the concept of ‘What may decently be apparent’ of her body and therefore should not be displayed.
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [2]
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [3]
(3) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF JAYUBIHINNA? |
The meaning of the word 'Jayubunna' is well known to both modern and classical Arabs. Its root is 'JIM-YA-BA' and has always been used to signify an opening of a shirt or sleeve or a pocket or the bosom, heart or even a place or entrance for a land or country. There is no relationship with women's hair coverage within the meaning of the word.
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [4]
(4) WHAT MAY BE DECENTLY APPARENT (Ila ma zahara minha) |
‘Ila ma zahara minha’ is a reference to what a person may openly reveal in accordance with prevailing custom which is decent and not unduly immoral. However, traditional clergy have throughout Islamic history attempted to restrict the definition of ‘what may decently be apparent’ to a woman's hands, feet and her face, and at times, even commanding full coverage.
However, from analysis, it appears that the meaning of ‘Ila ma zahara minha’ has a much wider purport. It's subtlety and deliberate ambiguity in the Quranic narrative (as God never runs out of words 18:109) seems to allow for all society norms and sensible judgment which remains firmly within the ambit of 'human decency'.
A possible cue to understand this phrase is verse 24:60 where by deduction, a younger believing woman is expected to maintain an outer garment covering (thobe) when in unfamiliar company. The classical definition of a woman's thobe as an outer garment is understood to provide coverage of the arms and legs, leaving exposed the feet, hands, face, head and neck. Please see section 'COVERAGE OF THE ARMS AND LEGS' below. Bedecking the hair in public (beautifying oneself to an extent which can become a cause of attraction) also needs to be carefully considered under the broad Arabic term 'zeenat'.
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THE HIJAAB (PARTITION) IS ONLY A DIRECTIVE FOR THE PROPHET’S WIVES |
(i) The Prophet’s wives are not like other women
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033.32-33 "O wives of the Prophet! you are not like any other of the women; If you will be on your guard, then be not soft in (your) speech, less he in whose heart is a disease yearn; and speak a good word. And stay in your houses and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorance of old; and keep up prayer, and pay the poor-rate, and obey God and His Messenger. God only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! and to purify you a (thorough) purifying" |
(ii) Prophet's wives have the potential to receive twice the punishment of normal wives
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033.030 "O wives of the prophet! whoever of you commits an open indecency, the punishment shall be increased to her doubly; and this is easy for God" |
(iii) Prophet's wives have the potential to receive twice the reward of normal wives
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033.031 "But any of you that is devout in the service of God and His Messenger, and works righteousness, to her We shall grant her reward twice: and We have prepared for her a generous sustenance" |
Note: It is clear from the above narrative that by virtue of being the wife of a Prophet does not make her automatically righteous. From the Quran it is clear that both Noah’s and Lot’s wives were NOT righteous (66:10), however Pharaoh’s wife was indeed righteous (66:11).
(iv) They cannot re-marry
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033.053 "....Nor is it right for you that you should annoy God's Messenger, or that you should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in God's sight an enormity" |
(v) The Prophet’s wives are like the mothers of the believers
This is an elective spiritual relationship of the highest degree, the wives of the prophets are to be seen in a similar spiritual relationship or capacity as one's own mother. The respect and kindness offered to them must also be of a similar status.
Having established the principle that the wives of the Prophet were not like other women, it becomes obvious that the directive to screen (Hijaab) is only a directive to the Prophet’s wives and given the text.
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033.053 “O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses,- until leave is given you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when you are invited, enter; and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but God is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when you ask (his ladies) for anything you want, ask them from behind a partition (Arabic: Hijaab): that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that you should annoy God's Messenger, or that you should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in God's sight an enormity” |
Illustration - Joseph Islam
As can be seen, the above verse regarding ‘Hijaab’ is not a reference to the hair and the 'screening' only applies to the Prophet’s wives. When directives are intended to include other women, apart from the prophet's wives, the Quran clearly addresses them. This can be seen in the next verse (33:59).
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WEAR A 'JILBAB' BUT BE RECOGNIZABLE |
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033.059 “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should bring down (Arabic: Yudnina) over them their outer garment (Arabic: jalabibihin): that is most convenient, that they should be recognized (Arabic: Yu'rafna) and not given trouble. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” |
Illustration - Joseph Islam
Firstly, it is important to note that the purpose of wearing an outer garment (jalbab) is to provide an extra layer of modesty so that women are not harassed in any way. However, women should also remain discernable (Arabic: Yurafna). A full body coverage which covers the face would clearly contradict the requirement of being recognized, known or discernable (Yurafna).
Secondly, many commentators give many differing and often unnecessarily elaborate renderings of what constitutes a 'Jalbab' (from Jalabibihinna). The primary signification of this term has usually applied to a woman's outer wrapping garment. However, this term is metaphorically applied to all manner of other kinds of garments, which include shirts, wide garments, khimar, full body cover etc.
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [5]
The Arabic phrase 'Yudnina alayhinna' has been used in conjunction with 'jalabibihinna'. 'Yudnina' comes from the verb 'adna' which primarily means to draw something closer or to bring near, which in the context of 33:59 would be a reference to the garb. Some translators argue an implication of 'letting down', or 'drawing lower' of the garb which would imply the 'jilbab' to be draped over the body towards the feet rather than a covering of the hair. However, it is to be appreciated that this is not a literal translation but one better understood as an interpretation.
In summary, the above verse 33:59 simply connects and confirms the directive in Surah Nur (24) verse 31 regarding covering to remain modest.
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COVERAGE OF THE ARMS AND LEGS |
There is a clear expectation from the Quran that women will have their arms and legs covered by the wearing of a suitable garment. A 'thobe' was a garb of the classical Arabs (and worn today) which provided such a coverage. The Arabic word 'thobe' is singular of the word 'thiyaab' and means something that is worn as a garment. It can be a normal garment and an outer garment. (11:5; 24:58). A 'thobe' is primarily a garment or robe worn by men but when applied to women (classically), it is usually referred to as a long gown reaching to the feet with wide sleeves. It is usually worn over other garments when it applies to women.
Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [1]
In verse 24:60, we clearly note that an older woman is permitted to remove this 'thobe' without wanton display of their beauty. This cannot refer to her normal garments as if this were to be removed she would be left exposed.
Hence, there is an inherent expectation that younger women will continue to wear an outer garment such as a 'thobe' that covers their arms and legs up to their feet.
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024.060 "Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage, there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments (Arabic: Thiyabahunna), provided they do not display their beauty / adornment. But it is best for them to modestly refrain: and God is One Who sees and knows all things" |
Illustration - Joseph Islam
Today, it is still a reference to a type of long draping garment worn by many Arabs, especially men (thobe, dishdasha etc).
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THE GARMENT OF PIETY IS THE BEST GARMENT |
Having discussed some of the technical aspects of the terms and their usage one must not lose sight of the overarching directive of the message and the Quran’s philosophy at core. That is, that the garment of purity is most important. Piety radiates from one's heart and one's garments are of no use if the heart is not pure.
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007.026 "O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed clothing upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness,- that is the best. Such are among the Signs of God, that they may receive admonition!" |
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FINAL THOUGHTS |
The above discussion should facilitate a better understanding of the Quran’s directives. There is no specific reference to covering of the hair and the Arabic word 'Hijaab' has never been used to signify nor even insinuate this. However, if an individual feels that their particular covering lends to better modesty (including hair and face covering) and with respect to prevailing customs, then this is their prerogative. One needs to be careful however not to override the Quran’s injunctions with a view to favour or seek overtly liberalist positions and also not to present overtly repressive directives when they are not decreed by scripture.
However, one can argue that bedecking the hair in public (beautifying oneself to an extent which can become a cause of attraction) needs to be carefully considered under the broad Arabic term 'zeenat'. This is indeed a subjective area and I remain non committal to define 'zeenat' as I do not see any reason to when the Quran has not explicitly done so. Many may feel that such bedecking would fall under the scope of 'zeenat'. If so, the directive is not to display this beauty and adornment to those other than the people listed in verse 24:31. (See section 1)
As stated in verse 3:7, some verses of the Quran are specific whereas others are intentionally unspecific. God tells people to follow the specific. The unspecific is a test for people to intentionally interpret them to suit their own desires.
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3:7 It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. |
Verse 33:59 specifically says to cover their bosoms and doesn’t specifically say to cover their hair. But many people choose to interpret the verse to specifically include the covering of one’s hair. As stated in verse 3:7, they are following the unspecific and that is against the Quran. Obviously, if God really wanted to make it clear that covering the hair was required, all He had to do was just say so, e.g. “… cover your bosoms and your hair,” but He did not.
The basic directives have been clearly laid out by the Quran with regards to what is expected and this should be understood and not transgressed.
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REFERENCES |
[1] LANE. E.W, Edward Lanes Lexicon, Williams and Norgate 1863; Librairie du Liban Beirut-Lebanon 1968, Volume 3, Page 1279
[2] Ibid., Volume 2, Page 809
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid., Pages 492-93
[5] Ibid. Page 440